https://arab.news/nexsn
- The match was suspended in the 39th minute
- Al-Ittihad鈥檚 bus was set on fire, the club said in a statement
TRIPOLI: A highly-anticipated derby in Libya鈥檚 top football league was suspended after fans stormed the pitch and officials said Thursday the Portuguese referee and some fans were injured.
The match Wednesday between Al-Ahly Tripoli and Al-Ittihad was suspended in the 39th minute when Al-Ahli substitutes and fans stormed the pitch in protest of Al-Ittihad players鈥� celebration of their opening goal.
Al-Ittihad鈥檚 bus was set on fire, the club said in a statement.
Players and soccer officials fled the stadium amid a fan disturbance outside the facility. Footage circuited online showed clashes between fans and security forces in and around the stadium.
Al-Ahly blamed what they called a 鈥減rovocative act鈥� by one of Al-Ittihad players for the disturbance.
They said in a statement that security forces used 鈥渆xcessive force and live fire鈥� against fans at the club鈥檚 headquarters.
Local media reported that Portuguese referee F谩bio Jose Costa was injured.